Two-week deadline announced for VPN registration, crackdown to start December 1

Pakistan's telecommunications regulator, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has given a two-week deadline for unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to register before a nationwide crackdown begins on December 1.

According to sources, the decision came after the Ministry of Interior issued instructions for the closure of unregistered VPNs.

The PTA held a review meeting where it was agreed to offer users until November 30 to comply with the registration process.

From December 1, authorities will initiate strict enforcement measures against those using unregistered VPNs.

The PTA has confirmed that a trial blocking of VPNs was successfully completed, with plans for a second trial in the coming days.

The regulator explained that the move is aimed at mitigating security risks, as unregistered VPNs can potentially access sensitive data and provide pathways to objectionable material.

Blocking such content falls under the PTA's responsibilities, according to officials.

"Unregistered VPNs present a significant security risk," said a PTA official. "These networks can allow access to sensitive information and circumvent Pakistan's regulations on harmful content. The crackdown is necessary to safeguard national interests."

While the two-week grace period aims to give VPN holders a chance to comply, the PTA has made it clear that, from December 1, any non-compliant VPNs will face severe action.

The government's move to regulate VPN usage is part of broader efforts to control internet security and prevent the spread of illegal or harmful online content.

Maulana Tariq Jamil condemns VPN fatwa

Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil has raised concerns over Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) decree, which had declared Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as un-Islamic (haram).

Speaking to a private channel on Sunday, the scholar questioned the rationale behind the decision, asserting that if VPNs are considered "haram," then mobile phones should also fall under the same category, as they can be used to access similar restricted content.

Warning against the broader implications, he criticised the fatwa as a "narrow-minded stance".

He further pointed out that mobile phones posed far more serious challenges due to their capacity to access harmful or inappropriate material, which could be more detrimental than VPN usage.

The scholar also noted his lack of awareness regarding the specific religious council responsible for the fatwa but reiterated his disagreement with the decision.

The debate emerged following the CII's declaration, which deemed VPNs illegal, citing concerns about their misuse to bypass internet censorship and access prohibited material.